5 Smooches!

Synopsis

From the “awesomely, incredibly talented”* New York Times bestselling author of Still the One, comes a sexy new Animal Magnetism novel set in Sunshine, Idaho, where the sky is the limit when it comes to love.

Pilot-for-hire Zoe Stone is happy to call Sunshine, Idaho, her home base. But her quiet life is thrown for a loop when her brother’s friend Parker comes to stay with her for a week. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife special agent is a handsome flirt with a gift for getting under her skin. And the situation only escalates when Parker hires her to fly him around the area while he collects evidence on a suspected smuggler.

Now she has to live and work with the guy. But when they’re in the air, she sees another side of him. He’s driven, focused, and sharp. And while he enjoys giving commentary on her blind dates, she quickly realizes with a shock that it’s Parker who gets her engines going…

Review

There are times that you just need to read a perfectly sweet, swoony and sexy romance. For me, nothing fits that bill better than a novel by Jill Shalvis. She has perfected the sweet, sexy, swoon-worthy alpha male with incredible success. When I pick up one of her books, I know for certain that I’ll be getting something special. I know that within it’s pages, a strong and sassy heroine, a sexy swoon-worthy alpha male who’s just the right bit of sweet, an interesting story line, a well developed romance, a little bit of angst, and plenty of sexy steamy goodness is awaits me. Contemporary romance magic, that’s what Jill Shalvis means to me. So when my Blogger Boss Lady, Miranda, told me I was getting this ARC, I had to read her message twice to make sure I understood it correctly. I mean, really, me? Getting a Shalvis ARC? ME?!

“He came to Sunshine for a boatload of complicated reasons that had absolutely nothing to do with a real vacation or enjoying himself, but he was doing just that.”

Parker James, a college buddy of Zoe’s brother, Wyatt, is on a “vacation” (READ: a strongly encouraged, semi-forced leave by his boss). He’s supposed to be on a beach somewhere resting and recuperating from a mission gone bad. A mission where he was injured and a fellow agent was killed while in pursuit of a notorious poacher. He is not supposed to be in Idaho. He definitely should not be even thinking about the case. And it goes without saying that he absolutely has no business whatsoever following up on the last lead he got that the elusive poacher was in Idaho, not all that far from his old buddy Wyatt’s hometown of Sunshine.

“She was ready. She wanted this. She totally almost did.”

Zoe Stone, a female in the male dominated private pilot business, is a force to be reckoned with. She’s a tough cookie, an adventurous spirit, and after being the responsible one her siblings always leaned on while growing up, she’s suddenly alone in her big, dilapidated old house. The child of globe-trotting diplomat parents, they traveled the world relocating often. While her parents were adept politicians, they were less than stellar parents, and it was Zoe, who grew up fast, that was mainly responsible for her younger siblings, Wyatt and Darcy. That support continued into adulthood, but now, with both siblings moved out and in solid, loving relationships, she’s on her own for the first time, and she’s lonely. She has finally opened herself up for dating, and word is spreading fast amongst the single men of Sunshine that Zoe is available.

“No wondering, wishing or worrying.”

Having been badly burned by an ex in the past, Zoe isn’t quick or easy to trust. But, the thing is, she realizes that she’s going to have to if she’s going to find for herself what Darcy and Wyatt have found. So, while the attraction between her and Parker is palpable, crackling and exciting, she’s unsure of it, and, besides, he’s only here temporarily. Parker is inexplicably drawn to Zoe in a way he hasn’t been drawn to a woman ever. But he’s here for dubious reasons, he’s here temporarily, and despite the undeniable, white-hot attraction he feels for her, he knows she deserves better than what he can offer her.

“Maybe you should keep some distance until you go. A foot seems about right.”

“You think a foot of space is enough?”

She smiled. “I think anything over about nine inches should do it.”

Zoe and Parker give in to their attraction, but both is trying – and failing – to hold back. Parker finds himself thinking about things he’s never thought about before, like a job that allows him to balance having a challenging career and a satisfying personal life, like having a permanent home and a woman – specifically, Zoe – in it to come back to every night. His time in Sunshine with Zoe has made him long for more out of life, and he’s not quite sure what to do about it.

“…I realized that without you in it, my life means squat.”

A Shalvis novel is a surefire, no fail smile-through-it, joy-to-read. For me, when I think of the perfect contemporary romance, without fail, she comes to mind. She pens stories with heart, with soul, with humor; sexy stories that you can’t help but be swept up in. They’re sweet and sexy and full of terrific banter and laugh-out-loud moments. All I Want was a terrific example of this type of perfectly sweet, swoony and sexy contemporary romance, and it was an absolute pleasure to read.

Five heated, humorous and heartfelt smooches for Shalvis’ All I Want from me!

~ Danielle Palumbo

BUY IT NOW

5 Smooches!

Synopsis

In a matter of seconds my entire world changed, and it was in that moment that I stopped living and simply began to exist.

In my grief, I sent a letter to the first boy I ever loved. I hoped in writing it I’d find some peace from the nightmare I was living, some solace in my anger.

I didn’t expect him to write back. I wasn’t prepared for his words, and I certainly wasn’t ready for the impact this soldier would have on my life. A deep-rooted hate transformed into friendship, and then molded into a love like I’d never known before.

Sergeant Devin Ulysses Clay did what I couldn’t: he put the shattered pieces of my heart back together, restoring my faith in humanity and teaching me how to live again.

But now that I’m whole, I have a decision to make. Do I return to my life as I knew it and the fiancé I left behind, or do I walk away from it all for the only man to ever break my heart?

***

I’ve been living in hell, but you won’t hear me complain.

These men depend on me, as I do them, and this brotherhood is the only family I’ve ever known.

The Army saved me from a callous mother and a life on the wrong side of the tracks that was quickly spiraling out of control. So unlike most of the men in my platoon, going home wasn’t something I longed for.

I was content overseas, spending my days defending this country that gave me my life back. Fighting became my new normal … until her.

A letter from Katie Devora—a letter that I almost didn’t open. Her words put a fire back inside of me that I didn’t know I’d lost. She gave me hope during a time when I was fighting every day just to stay alive, and now it’s time I fight for her.

Review

This book, THIS BOOK… How do I start to review something that affected me so profoundly? Well, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. My BBL, Miranda, knowing of my teeny tiny, itty-bitty little crush on BT Urruela asked if I wanted to review this book. I jumped at the chance. Aside from drooling over his pictures (with much eye rolling from husband) and following him on Facebook, I don’t know this man other than to know that he’s stupid good-looking, he’s a veteran and he’s a founder of VetSports, a national non-profit aimed at helping veterans achieve better physical, mental and emotional health through sports, physical activity and community involvement. Well, it turns out that Mr. Urruela is more than a philanthropic, patriotic pretty face. The man can write. Quite well. Gorgeous (look at that smile!), helps others and can write, romance no less? Who the hell isn’t crushing on him? #TotalPackage

Photo Credit: RLS Model Images

“I know we’ll find a way to make to make it work, because there isn’t another option. … Devin and I are meant to be together.”

This is the story of Katie Devora and Devin Clay. Best friends since the first grade, their relationship is the kind of deeply rooted, naturally progressing love story that epic romances are made of. Their story begins in the prologue with that single, perfect, beautiful, teenage moment of passion. Declarations and promises are made, but unfortunately Devin has no choice but to shatter the moment with some upsetting news – news that will change everything. However, it is a conversation between Devin and Mr. Devora later that night that serves as the catalyst to dramatically alter the course of their relationship for the next decade.

“…I have to write him, because if I don’t, I’m letting him win – I’m letting the bitterness win – and I’m tired of fucking losing.”

The story opens with Katie waking up in the hospital injured and facing a devastating loss. She is angry, she is bitter, and she is lashing out at everyone. At the urging of her family and friends, she finally enters therapy, and it is her therapist who suggests that one way to deal with her anger towards the soldier who so recklessly changed the landscape of her life, she enroll in a pen pal program and correspond with another soldier. She reluctantly agrees, and color her surprised when the last name on the list is none other than Devin Ulysses Clay.

“Looks like it’s going to be another long day in hell.”

Devin is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. He’s stationed in Iraq – fighting a war he doesn’t necessarily agree with – on a combat post. He recently lost his best friend to this never-ending violence, and he’s still very much immersed in his grief. But ever the professional soldier and leader of his men, he pushes his grief and his doubts about the war aside to be strong for his men, to lead them and to get them home safely. He has not spoken to Katie since he walked away from her without a word ten years earlier. But she’s never been far from his thoughts. What he did to her, what he did to destroy them, is his life’s single greatest regret. Imagine his surprise when he receives a pen pal letter – one he nearly didn’t look at or open – from Katie.

“Katie…my biggest regret. My only regret, actually, and one I’ve never quite gotten over.

Through letters, at first, then emails and finally phone calls, Katie and Devin reconnect, both coming to the same inevitable realization – what they had never really went away, neither has moved beyond their feelings for each other, and, most importantly, what they share is that once-in-a-lifetime, bring-you-to-your-knees, heart-thumping-sweaty-palms kind of love. The kind that people dream of and hope for, the kind that never goes away or fades, and, no matter what hurt one may have caused the other, this kind of love is not something you turn your back on if you’re lucky enough to find it again and have another shot at it.

“How is it possible to feel such a strong connection with someone I haven’t even talked to in a decade?”

Like a freight train barreling out of control, neither is able – nor wants – to stop the rampant return of their feelings for each other. Devin knows this is his shot, and he’s taking it. He’s not messing it up, he’s got his eyes on the prize: Katie, marriage, a family. He wants her back, he wants it all with her, and this time, he’s getting it. Katie, helpless against her overwhelming feelings for Devin, is, however, a bit more hesitant. After all, she was the one who was left devastated in the wake of his wordless departure. But ultimately, the heart knows, and Katie, unable to fight her feelings for Devin, gives in to them.

“In this moment, we are letting go of the past and opening ourselves up to a failure that’s full of endless possibilities.”

Weeks of phone calls and emails and a stolen weekend together secure their fate. Devin has only a few weeks left in the Army before he is discharged and then he will return to Katie. But war is unpredictable, and in the blink of an eye, or in this case, the explosion of an RPG, their lives are instantly and permanently changed.

“What am I going to do with you, Sergeant?”

“Love me…I just need you to love me.”

Everything about this book touched me. From the prologue straight through to the amazing dual POV epilogues, this book was gorgeous and lovely and so, so beautiful. Even the playlist was spot on and the perfect soundtrack to this amazing story. I extolled the virtues of BT Urruela earlier in this review, let me not overlook the talent that is KL Grayson. She has penned a masterpiece in this book, and it is a story that I will long remember, reread often and recommend relentlessly.

This, folks, is an epic love story. It was romantic, at times gut wrenchingly tragic, and so painfully, breathlessly rich with vivid emotion. I was literally oblivious to my surroundings while reading this book and unable to put it down. At one point, I was quietly crying, and my husband cupped and lifted my face to get my attention to see if I was all right. This book was an experience, and has moved right onto the list of my top favorites. This book is special; it’s that rare, gorgeous love story that will stay with you long after you’ve put it down. Lovely, it was positively lovely. Very well done, Ms. Grayson and Mr. Urruela, so very well done.

Five enormous, epic and emotional smooches from me for the sensational A Lover’s Lament by KL Grayson and BT Urruela.

~ Danielle Palumbo

BUY IT NOW

5 Smooches!

Synopsis

Bennett had the world in the palm of his hands when he was sixteen, then he allowed his dick to do the thinking for him.

That one night changed his life, giving him a child that would forever alter the course of his life, and an ex that was a crazy nut case on the best of days.

With the help of his parents, he went into the Navy, becoming the SEAL that he always wanted to be. However, with that came a price.

A price he wasn’t willing to pay anymore once his little girl started to realize why he wasn’t there. So he came home and joined the local SWAT team, starting his life anew, just his daughter and him.

Then he meets the cute little physician’s assistant that looks down at him like one would an annoying fly, and he finally realizes just what he’s been missing.

Something that takes his mind off of the challenge of everyday life. Someone that dares him to be a better father and police officer.

And Lennox is one hell of a motivator.

Their relationship starts off rocky as the two of them circle each other like opponents ready to do combat rather than two civil adults. Every day brings a new battle for the two of them to overcome, and before they realize it, they’ll be fighting for each other instead of against each other.

Because there’s one woman who doesn’t want either one of them to be happy…especially not together.

Review

This book is the sixth in Lani Lynn Vale’s best-selling Code 11-KPD SWAT series, and it focuses on Bennett Alvarez, SWAT Team member, police officer, resident at the Free compound (from the Freebirds series) and single dad to daughter, Reagan Rose. Lennox Jane, the heroine, is a physician’s assistant, daughter of two renowned doctors and the repeated victim of a long-time stalker.

“I’m not some little girl that needs his directions. I’m a grown woman who has opinions and makes her own decisions.”

Lennox, a physician’s assistant, is fiercely independent. Strictly a friends with benefits kind of girl, she does not do relationships, and she most certainly does not do them with controlling, domineering men. Within minutes of meeting him – while he’s in the ER for some stitches – Lennox determines controlling is probably Bennett’s middle name seeing as it’s his most prominent personality trait. Oh, she readily admits that he is undeniably hot, but she’s not going there. She’s BTDT with the controlling boyfriends, she’s got the t-shirt and is using it as a dust rag. What she’s not doing is going down that road again.

“I loved the little girl to death, even when she was being a turd…”

Bennett is definitely attracted to Lennox. He’s intrigued, there’s something different about this woman, but he doesn’t quite understand it. He immediately dismisses it, though, deeming her to be too high maintenance. He’s got enough to deal with in the demanding female department with his handful of a daughter, eight-year-old Reagan, whom this single dad has full custody of and is raising alone.

“I fucking love you…”

The more they see each other, though, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them. Unable to deny this crackling attraction any longer, Nox and Bennett give in, thus beginning a sizzling friends-with-benefits relationship. The more time they spend together, the better they get to know each other and the deeper each one falls, until neither can pretend that there isn’t something much deeper than FWB going on here.

Unbeknownst to them, they share a common bond in an evil enemy. Corinne. To Bennett, she is his high school ex-girlfriend, his first love and the mother of Reagan who has no role in his daughter’s life at all. To Lennox, she is a former college classmate. A mentally unstable, former classmate who has held a grudge against her for years, one that started in college with constant harassment and vicious physical attacks. A crazy person that has been stalking her and wreaking all kinds of havoc in Lennox’s life for years in an insane reign of terror designed to exact her twisted retribution upon Lennox.

“No sane person would think that something like this would work.”

It is no secret by now to followers of Red Cheeks Reads that I am a die-hard Lani Lynn Vale fan. I make no apologies for this or for my love of this author’s work. It always but always brings me pleasure to read one of her books, and they never, ever disappoint me. Lani’s sense of humor, the type of alpha heroes she writes and as well as the smart, sarcastic and witty woman she creates all add up to a surefire hit for me. What can I say? She always checks off all my boxes!

The mark of any author is the way they personalize their books, leaving little marks of themselves that make their work unique and special. Ms. Vale has done this with incredible success, and I have no doubt that those hysterical little quotes that kick off each chapter of every single one of Lani Lynn Vale’s 19 books have a cult following. For me, they are as eagerly anticipated as the story itself, and they are absolutely one of the best parts of any of her books. Pure awesomeness, uniquely Vale and, without question, her signature. I often find myself thinking of her whenever I see a funny t-shirt, bumper sticker, coffee mug or eCard. 

I enjoyed Kill Shot so very much, and it was another hit for the talented Lani Lynn Vale. Five big, fat, smackin’ SMOOCHES for Lani Lynn Vale’s Kill Shot from me!

~ Danielle Palumbo

BUY IT NOW

4.5 Smooches

Synopsis

I thought he was my antidote, but it turns out that he’s just my new drug of choice.
Before him, it was heroin.
And then they put me here against my will.
At the time it seemed like my only viable choice.
I preferred stumbling through life numb to it all. But now I’m here, and every sound and every emotion is heightened to a level I never knew existed.
Then somehow, in a moment of weakness it became all about him.
My counselor.
He makes me feel things I never thought possible. But I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to recover…

Review

“This wasn’t what my life was supposed to be like. This wasn’t what I dreamed of as a little girl.”

This was a hard book for me. Not because it was beautifully written or incredibly touching but the topic of addiction, esp addiction to hard drugs, touches close to one with several people I love dearly. Reprieve does not sugar coat it or make it shiny and easy just because it is a romance. Instead she takes this story to a gritty and dark place that while done in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages it might still be hard for many to handle.

“Heroin was my entrance to Hell. Hell was here on earth.”

Teagan is addicted to heroin and this is one instant where we are definitely shown and not just told about the drastic pain and destruction that the drug has had on her short life. The book is told in alternating chapters of past to present going backwards to see her destruction and what a destruction it was. My heart broke for Teagan and for all those around her. Her choices in life were awful and sad and her own. She knows she is the cause of her demise but cannot stop. After hitting rock bottom she is forced into treatment.

“I surrender completely, my lips opening for him – no urging him to continue. He intoxicates me.”

Asher is a former addict and current addiction counselor at the treatment facility where Teagan is enrolled. Innocent enough at the start he is nothing but professional but soon enough  lines are blurred and their professional relationship develops into a friendship and eventually more. Nothing about them is healthy or smart but there is something the two of them just cannot deny.

“It’s then that I realize he has become my new drug of choice. Asher Hughes is my new heroin.”

There is something about an underdog rising again that gets my heart pumping every time. And while this was a deeply emotional and difficult read for me I would not have changed reading it for everything. I am constantly surprised by the array of talents that A.E. Woodward possesses. Her stories are always unique and different takes on story lines we all know.

~miranda

Buy It Now